Clean Metal Marks off a Porcelain Toilet

It's best not to touch your porcelain toilet bowl with metal, but if you do, and it makes a mark, all is not lost. Here is how to restore the toilet and get rid of those marks.

Steps

  1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet, then flush the toilet.
  2. Remove the remaining standing water from the bowl with a towel or sponge.
  3. Fill the bowl with Coca-Cola. Let the "real thing" sit for at least an hour (overnight is better), then flush clean. The carbonic acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.
  4. Scour the area. Use a scouring powder to remove the mark. Just about any brand you have handy will work, but Barkeeper's Friend seems to be a particularly popular one. Various types of metal polish can also work, such as Brasso, silver polish, etc. The mild abrasive should remove the metal streak without harming the porcelain underneath.
    • Baking soda is another possible option. It also acts as a mild abrasive or Corningware cleaner works quite well.
    • If the metal was also rusty, it might help to choose a cleaner that includes bleach.
  5. Try a pumice stone. They are available at most hardware stores, and they are also good for removing hard water deposits and water lines from a toilet bowl.
    • To use a pumice stone on a toilet, get it wet first. Then simply scrub with it. It may make some noise, but it won't harm the toilet.
  6. Try a Magic Eraser. Another simple way to remove metal marks from a porcelain toilet or sink is use a Mr. Clean brand Magic Eraser. It is recommended to cut it into small pieces before use.
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Tips

  • Most of these techniques would be equally effective for removing metal scuffs from pots and pans from a porcelain sink. Of course, don't bring a pumice stone or sponge into a sink after you have used it in a toilet.
  • A product called "Barkeepers Friend" works the best.
  • Don't leave cleaning products in contact with the porcelain for an extended period of time. Ten minutes should be enough for them to act.
  • If you have chipped the porcelain or stained it so that none of these methods are effective, you may be able to paint it with touch-up paint. Visit your hardware store to see what options are available.
  • Wear rubber gloves when working in or around the toilet to protect yourself from chemicals and germs.
  • Do not use metal or metal-containing implements in your toilet.
    • Don't use a plumber's snake or coat hanger to clear clogs. If the plunger didn't work, use a closet auger or toilet auger. This is a device specifically designed to clear clogs in a toilet.
    • Choose a toilet brush that's all plastic, not the kind with the loop of metal wire holding the bristles together.

Warnings

  • Don't mix household cleaners. If you must change from one to the other, rinse thoroughly or flush a few times in between.

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Sources and Citations

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